Despite having a high nutrient density, seaweed is still approached with its share of suspiciousness and prejudices which have actually outlived their time. If you want to find up-to-date information about seaweed, you’ve come to the right place. Here, in this article, we will take a closer look at seaweed, its benefits, and whether everyone should eat it. But the most important part of our article will provide you with insight tips concerning cooking and eating these wonderful plants. Stay tuned for more and keep reading.
Why Is Seaweed Good for Me?
Each seaweed is unique in its own way and offers a wide range of health benefits to your body. Blue-green algae, for instance, can be used as a protein supplement in your diet or implemented as a part of treatment for high blood pressure, as well as that for obesity, diabetes, high blood fat levels (lipids), and high cholesterol. Whereas brown algae, as well as red algae, is considered a potent antioxidant rich in vitamins and iodine, which positively impacts one’s immunity and reduces inflammations. Generally speaking, all seaweeds contain a powerhouse of various vital vitamins, such as A, B, C, and E, as well as Omega-3 fats, and beneficial minerals like zinc, iodine, magnesium, iron, and calcium. The combination of these nutrients helps enhance bone and teeth density, lower inflammation, increase energy, preserve healthy thyroid, maintain hormonal balance, lower the risk of cancer, and even preserve healthy thyroid.
Is Seaweed Safe For Me?
As we’ve already mentioned before, seaweed is a great healthy beneficial addition to your everyday ration and it’s indeed safe to consume. However, there are some exceptions. Although it’s claimed that seaweed is very helpful when it comes to hypothyroidism, we advise those who suffer from it against consuming large amounts of the algae, since the excessive amounts of iodine-rich foods can only worsen the condition. So if you are suffering from hyperthyroidism, the weekend’s sushi rolls covered in seaweed are certainly not for you.
One more thing, you should keep in mind is that seaweed is not compatible with some medications. For example, if you are taking blood thinners, you should most definitely consult your doctor before treating yourself to a little algae snack, since seaweed actually contains a whole lot of vitamin K whose actions are often influenced by blood thinners. If, however, you do get the doctor’s permission, you’ll usually need to increase the dosage of your medication.
Furthermore, according to professional dieticians, some people (those who have small intestine bacterial overgrowth in particular), might experience gas, bloating, and discomfort in their guts due to excessive levels of polysaccharides (carbohydrates) found in seaweed, which are responsible for feeding the bacteria in our gut. Despite this little inconvenience, the advantages of eating seaweed under these circumstances outweigh the disadvantages. Just make sure not to overdo it: start with a small dosage and then increase as needed based on how you feel.
Quality Should Number One Priority
Recent studies alleged that seaweed can actually absorb heavy metals including lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. While it’s true that most seaweed contains small amounts of arsenic, the algae cultivated in waters contaminated by industrial waste can contain significantly higher concentrations of these heavy metals which can lead to serious health issues. That is the reason why we urge you to always choose organic seaweed from trustworthy businesses committed to growing their produce in an organic and sustainable way as FUL® does. FUL® is a company founded by three friends passionate about protecting the environment and preserving nature as much as they can. We produce spirulina using high-tech bioreactors in order to maintain its quality, and purity and prevent contamination. See for yourself!
Seaweed In My Kitchen - How To Add Seaweed To My Everyday Diet
Raw or cooked - that’s the question!
Seaweed is basically like a vegetable, except for the water part. You can eat seaweed fresh and raw right after picking it from the water, just as you grab a bite of tomato while harvesting veggies from your garden. So if you live near the seaside and can ensure that the seaweed is being picked from a clean area where there is no risk that the waters will be polluted by some contaminating elements nearby or those brought by the storm, eating fresh seaweed is a great way to start a day.
#1 Thirsty? Grab a FUL®!
That’s right, seaweeds can become a part not only of your meals but your drinks as well. You can add a pinch of fresh seaweed right into your morning smoothie and enjoy the beverage before starting the day. But how about something more practical, healthier, and tastier? Ladies and gentlemen, we give you FUL®!
FUL® is a healthy and refreshing drink mainly based on blue-green algae called spirulina. The algae itself offers various health benefits and has been long regarded as one of the planet's most powerful sources of nourishment, not to mention it’s a potent source of pure protein. One of the advantages of FUL® over other beverages based on seaweeds is the special, sustainable way in which the algae is cultivated. Furthermore, the method enables to extract of all spirulina’s beneficial nutrients while also addressing the seaweed’s specific taste. And, oh boy, are the nutrients numerous! FUL® beverages contain calcium, which contributes to better digestion and enhances bone density. Vitamin B2 and iron are among numerous vitamins and minerals contained in FUL® as well and assist your body in turning food into energy, granting you a fresh surge of natural energy. Additionally, the high content of magnesium in these sparkling beverages stimulates the immune system, enhances neurological function, and helps muscles regenerate faster.
The drinks themselves are comfortable to carry with you everywhere and come ready in bottles and cans, so you won’t have to spend as much time as you would when preparing a smoothie. To add to that, FUL® offers a wide range of fruity and natural flavors, so you won’t be deprived of the possibility to enjoy the fine taste of lime & mint, lemon & ginger, and white peach. Try all of them and choose your favorite.
#2 Beans, stocks, and soups taste better with a hint of kombu, arame, or kelp
While it is true that seaweeds have a particular flavor that might not be much to your liking, some of them make a perfect combination with certain products, adding a delicate spark of flavor to the meal. Especially when it comes to stocks, soups, or beans. When preparing these meals, remember to sprinkle in a piece of kombu up to 2 inches, a tablespoon of kelp, or a pinch of arame. Not only will this make the flavor of the meal more subtle and special, but it will also do a great service to your body. When added to the dish, kombu and kelp infuse the food with additional vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals, like iodine, while also reducing phytic acid, helping your stomach digest better and improving nutrient assimilation. Plus, it has been claimed that kombu is high in fiber and has detoxifying properties, hence acts as a prebiotic in your gut and restores the good microflora of the body. When it comes to the cooking process, we would wholeheartedly recommend you add kombu to the pot and let it steep for at least 10 minutes. This enables to release of all the nutrients present in seaweed.
#3 Looking for a healthy snack? Don’t hesitate and grab nori instead!
As we’ve mentioned above, nori is subspecies of red algae. Although it is very lightweight, it is also surprisingly filling, healthy, and quite famous too. You might have already even tried it before, without knowing so. Nori sheets are the seaweed sheets in which most spicy salmon rolls and California rolls are wrapped. However, it doesn’t mean that you can use nori sheets only for rolls. How about a nori wrap? Seaweed wraps are as healthy as it gets: packed with vegetables and various vitamins, they contain no carbs or fats. All you need for a perfect seaweed wrap is a fridge with some leftovers and a nori sheet. You can add there anything you want, be it carrots, tomatoes, fish, or chicken. The next step is to arrange all the products on a full-sized nori sheet and roll it all up like a wrap. Now you need to choose how to prepare the wrap itself. While baking it in the oven does make seaweed crispier, steaming preserves all the nutrients and moisture. If you also want some dip to it, we can wholeheartedly recommend miso dressing. The nori wrap is a perfectly healthy and nutritious alternative to all those snacks high in sodium people usually grab for breakfast or lunch. Who knows, maybe even the smallest members of your family will grow to enjoy the crispy version of this little treat.
#4 The best seasoning? Easy, seaweed flakes!
You might have noticed that in Asian markets, eco-friendly or health food stores often sell lots of different packaged salts or seasonings containing seaweed. However, that’s always quite tricky, isn’t it? The ready seasonings might contain some components you are allergic to. Don’t worry, there is always another way out: you can just make your own mixture of seaweed seasoning. Kombu and kelt combined with rosemary, dulse mixed with garlic and parsley, sesame seeds with nori and turmeric - we could go on forever. Mild, healthy seasonings suitable for all your everyday and fancy meals at your service!
#5 A salad without seaweeds, is not a salad I’m willing to eat
What’s the definition of “salad”? Healthy, green, and carb-free. What is the definition of seaweed? Practically the same. So what was to happen, if we combined these two in one meal?
To make your salad even more healthy and tasty, stew some powdered seaweed into the salad dressing you’ve chosen, leave it for a couple of minutes, so it can absorb properly, and finally mix it before serving the salad. What algae taste better with salads? Easy. Always go with kelp or dulse, and you’ll never miss. These seaweeds go great with both traditional unrefined olive oil or vinegar dressing and more upscale special and unique mixes.
#6 What’s better than a salad with seaweed dressing? A seaweed salad!
The best seaweeds for a salad that is basically made from seaweeds are arame and wakame. For the dressing, you’ll need to mix sesame oil, vinegar, scallions, and garlic. To spice up your seaweed salad, you can resort to other vegetables as well. We usually recommend adding some radishes, cucumbers, or carrots. Try different options, find the perfect combination and impress your guests with the exquisite seaweed salad.
#7 Pad Thai with kelp noodles, yummy!
While all the snacks, drinks, and salads, as well as seasonings we’ve presented, are tasty and healthy, they are not filling enough to get through the day. And that’s where our special guest Pad Thai comes in - one of the most popular noodle dishes in the world made from stir-fried Thai noodles dressed with a sweet-savory-sour sauce and crushed peanuts. However, we want to introduce you to the special, not regular Pad Thai, but to one made prepared with kelp noodles. All you need to do is get one packet of kelp noodles, soak it in the water, so it becomes softer and stir it evenly with a pad Thai sauce. And for the final touches, you can also add some more toppings, such as red pepper flakes or fresh cilantro.
Final Thoughts
Seaweeds are not just sea plants meant to stay underwater for the time being. They are a potent powerhouse of protein, as well as various minerals and vitamins. And despite what most people think, there are whole lots of different, tasty dishes made from seaweeds out there waiting to be discovered and cooked every day in each and every kitchen around the world.
Implement seaweed into your diet now with our vitamin- and mineral-rich spirulina-based sparkling FUL®, both nutritious and environmentally beneficial. Easy to carry with you, without spirulina’s unpleasant flavor, FUL® is a great option for those who wish to improve their lifestyle. FUL® is your first step to living healthily.
